Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Buckinghamshire

neighbour complaints about disruptive behaviour and noise over a long

period. The complainants believe the homes should be closed.

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neighbour complaints about disruptive behaviour and noise over a long

At these visits to the homes the inspector: examined the suitability of location and premises; spoke with managers (one registered manager and one area manager) about the management of recent incidents of anti-social behaviour; considered the suitability of these placements for current occupants of both homes; and reviewed critical incident logs and complaints against the homes logs. The suitability of the premises Both of these homes are town houses on a modern estate of privately owned, good quality properties. The surrounding area includes a high proportion of families. The negative aspects of these properties are: (i) The garden space is very small (ii) The proximity of many neighbouring houses means any disturbance (for example, noise) affects more other properties than in many children’s homes. These are not reasons to prevent them being children’s homes but do provide considerations for the company when managing them, for example do young

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neighbour complaints about disruptive behaviour and noise over a long

people have other areas to enjoy outdoor activity and expend energy, given the small gardens. Recent incidents of anti-social behaviour Over the weekend of Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2015 there was considerable disturbance in and outside of SC067757. This was primarily caused by the conduct of young people residing in the homes of this children’s homes provider. One young person was residing at SC067757, two at SC062317, and one came from another home some considerable distance away. The incidents involved anti-social behaviour, evasion of staff and police who were trying to gain control, and some damage in the community. After these incidents all four young people moved from these placements. This decision was in their interests given the lack of control that the company was able to provide at this point in their lives. The young people remaining in both SC062317 and SC067757 present some challenges but not typically those that affect the wider community. The managers

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neighbour complaints about disruptive behaviour and noise over a long

in the homes have clear plans in place to manage and minimise risks, both to the young people themselves and any risks they may pose to others. It was noted that some incidents of anti-social behaviour (for example the recent theft of a car) were initially presumed to be linked to one or other of these homes and this assumption has proved unfounded. The suitability of recent placements The incidents of 14 – 16 August are not at all likely to be repeated in the immediate future. However, the company should review the placements that were made and consider carefully the suitability of young people for them. This will not simply be whether their needs are those the company aims to meet, but whether their impact on the household is going to be too challenging. The consequence of recent placements has had some detrimental impact on the young people not directly involved in the recent incident, and the need to end placements more

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neighbour complaints about disruptive behaviour and noise over a long

quickly and subject young people to multiple placements is undesirable. The home currently has a system for assessing admissions which includes impact risk assessment. It is noted that the information gathered in the recent admissions did not make it apparent that this level of disturbance may occur and some of the difficulties arose through seemingly ‘new’ behaviours, or at least previously unknown to professionals. It is not concluded that managers did other than admit in good faith that these were suitable. However, the opportunity to liaise and share information with the police may have been missed and the pressure to take emergency placements should be considered carefully in the light of the recent events. It was noted that the young person group in SC062317 has been subject to considerable change. Three young people have had significant involvement in anti- social behaviour in the community, all have now left. The two occupants remaining

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neighbour complaints about disruptive behaviour and noise over a long

have been there less than six months and in one case just a few days. This unsettled period is not really over and is reliant upon the admission practice in the coming weeks. The young person involved in the incident who resides at a different home (SC474150) was on two-to-one staffing at the time of the incident. However, staff were still unable to prevent her involvement in the incidents. This indicates that the challenges presented by this young person were of a nature beyond the company to manage, at least at this point. This too has been subsequently recognised, but only after the additional disruption and criminalisation of the young person. Review of actions of the home It was evident from reviewing incidents that the home do take misbehaviour in the community very seriously indeed. Some of the young people placed have been very poorly engaged prior to coming into this company’s care. The support of

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neighbour complaints about disruptive behaviour and noise over a long

therapists employed by the company help them plan how best to engage and support young people. Staff consistently seek to understand them and help them to make better futures for themselves. The actions taken in response to incidents have included staff seeking to find missing young people, keeping contact with them and liaising with police. These have been apt and timely responses. The concern has been the volume of recent anti-social behaviour by some of the young people. Conclusions  The operation of children’s homes on these sites is in the interests of young people. They have good potential to provide nurturing, supportive and primarily domestic environments of a high standard.  The company continues to seek to establish good relationships with neighbours, it is noted that they have apologised for the disturbances referred to in this report. Relationships have been strained and this needs to be reflected upon in seeking to ensure that they can be built back through

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neighbour complaints about disruptive behaviour and noise over a long

minimising any negative impact the siting of the homes may have on the community.  The management of challenging behaviour is well considered and has sometimes been effective. The recent turnover of placements, particularly at SC062317 is indicative that some has not been sufficiently effective despite the best efforts of staff.  The admissions process is designed to ensure needs are well considered prior to any young person coming to the home. However, this is the area which seems primarily responsible for the recent poor outcomes and hurried endings to placements. It is advised that this is closely reviewed and the compatibility of young people is considered, including across homes. This is to ensure robust plans for young people on admission, it will not limit whom the homes may consider.  There are no grounds to consider closure of the homes by Ofsted.

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Information about this children's home

 This children’s home is privately owned, providing care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

Managers should provide a nurturing environment that is welcoming, supportive and provides appropriate boundaries in relation to behaviour. In particular seek to assess prior to admission so that plans are in place which establish young people as welcome in their community. Do not admit young people for whom this looks unachievable. (Guide to Children’s Homes Regulations 3.7, p.15)

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the home since their last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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